Evolution / Genetics

A team of Egyptian archaeologists found a predynastic cemetery and a settlement dated to 4th millennium BC (3316 BC) located 400 metres to the south of Seti I temple in Abydos. To date, 15 large mud-brick tombs have been unearthed, some measuring up to 14mx5m.

View of the recent excavations at Abydos [Credit: The Ministry of Antiquities]

Archaeologists believe the cemetery and settlement belong to high officials and the overseers of royal tombs and mortuary structures of the kings of the First Dynasty in Abydos.

View of the recent excavations at Abydos [Credit: The Ministry of Antiquities]

A number of huts and everyday tools including pottery were also discovered. These could possibly belong to workers who were building the royal tombs.

View of the recent excavations at Abydos [Credit: The Ministry of Antiquities]

Yasser Mahmoud Hussein, head of the Egyptian archaeologists’ team, said: “Some of the tombs are unique as they have more than one mastaba.”

View of the recent excavations at Abydos [Credit: The Ministry of Antiquities]

Among them there are tombs with up to 4 mastabas. Mastabas were used in tombs of the First Dynasty in Sakkara and then during the Third Dynasty. This is the first time First Dynasty mastaba tombs are discovered in Abydos.